The Safe Space Painting

ARTIST BIO: Sam Rueter is a mixed media artist and painter who utilizes the female form to represent a larger narrative. Born in raised just north of New York City, Sam is currently living and working out of her studio in Charleston, SC. Rueter’s work is an exploration of how our physical bodies navigate space, engage with the external world, and bear the weight of our unconscious patterns. the idea is to illuminate the intricate web of unconscious patterns, traumas, and narratives that often remain obscured within the folds of societal taboos. Each work forces the viewer to acknowledge the presence of form, alongside the fragments that come with being confined to only the bodily facade. by looking beyond the physical form we often hold ourselves to, we formulate a comprehensive, honest look at what lies within the confines of the mind. through a deliberate interrogation of the complexities of the human psyche, my paintings transcend mere representation to reveal the profound depths of our shared humanity. The work asks viewers to tap back into the visceral connection, the innate sense of bodily knowing- to actually inhabit and confront our roles. the body can speak volumes when we are willing to become observant and forthright. nude self-portraiture emerges as a central motif within the oeuvre, symbolizing the epitome of vulnerability and honesty. within this structure, it's essential to clarify that these depictions are not a manifestation of the artist as a muse of their own work. rather, they serve as a vehicle for exploring universal themes and experiences, transcending the confines of individual identity. by projecting herself onto the canvas, rueter engages in a process of introspection and self-reflection, blurring the boundaries between artist and subject. in doing so, she invites viewers to confront their own vulnerabilities and truths, fostering a sense of collective resonance and solidarity.